LUKE AFB
AIR FORCE
Glendale, AZ
United States
LUKE AFB
AIR FORCE
Glendale, AZ
United States
Luke AFB
Base Essentials
The world's largest F-35 training base and home to allied partner nation training in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, AZ — a premier fighter pilot hub with full Phoenix metro access and Arizona's desert lifestyle.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AETC
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
5,600
Active Duty
7,500
Civilian
3,000
Population
4,900,000
Economic Impact
$2.2 billion
Luke AFB History
Named AfterSecond Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr. (Medal of Honor)
Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, was established in 1941 and named after Medal of Honor recipient Frank Luke Jr., a World War I fighter ace. Known as the "Home of the Fighter Pilot," Luke has trained more fighter pilots than any other base in the world. Today it is the largest F-35 Lightning II training base, with multiple USAF and international partner squadrons flying the fifth-generation fighter. Luke's future is firmly centered on producing the next generation of F-35 combat pilots.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
56th Fighter Wing (F-35 Training)
—
—
944th Fighter Wing (AFRC)
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Luke Field Established for Fighter Pilot Training
Luke Field was established west of Phoenix, Arizona, as an Army Air Forces advanced fighter pilot training base. Named after World War I ace Lt. Frank Luke Jr. — Arizona's "Balloon Buster" and Medal of Honor recipient — the base trained thousands of fighter pilots for service in the WWII European and Pacific theaters.
1945
Over 12,000 Fighter Pilots Trained During WWII
By the end of World War II, Luke Field had trained over 12,000 fighter pilots — making it one of the most productive pilot training installations in the nation. Graduates flew P-51 Mustangs, P-38 Lightnings, and P-47 Thunderbolts in every theater from North Africa to the Pacific.
1951
Luke Air Force Base Reactivated
Luke Air Force Base was reactivated for Korean War and Cold War requirements, reestablishing its fighter pilot training mission with the new generation of jet-powered aircraft. The base was redesignated and expanded to handle F-80 Shooting Stars and subsequent jet fighters.
1983
World's Largest F-16 Fighter Wing
Luke Air Force Base was designated the world's largest F-16 Fighting Falcon training base, hosting thousands of student pilots from the U.S. Air Force and allied air forces. The 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke produced more F-16 pilots than any other installation on earth.
2014
F-35A Lightning II Training Begins
The 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base began F-35A Lightning II training in 2014, establishing Luke as the primary F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) pilot training base. Luke now trains both U.S. Air Force and international partner nation F-35 pilots from around the world.
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(5)
1941
Luke Field Established for Fighter Pilot Training
Luke Field was established west of Phoenix, Arizona, as an Army Air Forces advanced fighter pilot training base. Named after World War I ace Lt. Frank Luke Jr. — Arizona's "Balloon Buster" and Medal of Honor recipient — the base trained thousands of fighter pilots for service in the WWII European and Pacific theaters.
1945
Over 12,000 Fighter Pilots Trained During WWII
By the end of World War II, Luke Field had trained over 12,000 fighter pilots — making it one of the most productive pilot training installations in the nation. Graduates flew P-51 Mustangs, P-38 Lightnings, and P-47 Thunderbolts in every theater from North Africa to the Pacific.
1951
Luke Air Force Base Reactivated
Luke Air Force Base was reactivated for Korean War and Cold War requirements, reestablishing its fighter pilot training mission with the new generation of jet-powered aircraft. The base was redesignated and expanded to handle F-80 Shooting Stars and subsequent jet fighters.
1983
World's Largest F-16 Fighter Wing
Luke Air Force Base was designated the world's largest F-16 Fighting Falcon training base, hosting thousands of student pilots from the U.S. Air Force and allied air forces. The 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke produced more F-16 pilots than any other installation on earth.
2014
F-35A Lightning II Training Begins
The 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base began F-35A Lightning II training in 2014, establishing Luke as the primary F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) pilot training base. Luke now trains both U.S. Air Force and international partner nation F-35 pilots from around the world.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Luke AFB.
Luke AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Luke AFB.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Luke AFB.
Information
Luke Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Health & Fitness
Neurofeedback Training Can Help Troops Improve Their Mental Health
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Health & Fitness
TRICARE Urgent Care - Understanding Your Family’s Coverage
Read
Housing
Does the Military Pay Your Mortgage in Arizona?
Read
Health & Fitness
How TMS Treatment is Revolutionizing Mental Health Care
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Luke AFB.
Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
Phone
(623) 856-6550Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed every 3rd Thursday)
In-Processing
Upon arrival at Luke Air Force Base, active-duty military members should report to their gaining unit's Commander's Support Staff (CSS) in uniform during normal duty hours (7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday). From there, personnel proceed to the Military Personnel Section on the first floor of Building 1150 at 7383 North Litchfield Road for formal in-processing. In-processing briefings are conducted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 0900. Members should bring all personnel records, medical and dental records, and financial paperwork. Students arriving for training should report directly to the Fighter Country Inn (Building 660).
After initial check-in, members follow a structured in-processing schedule. Medical Right Start is held at the 56th Medical Group clinic every Tuesday at 9:00 AM. A mandatory local conditions briefing takes place every Wednesday at 8:00 AM for all newly assigned personnel. All military members and DoD civilians are required to attend a monthly Newcomers Wing Orientation, typically held at Club Five Six from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Your squadron CSS will provide the date of the next scheduled Wing Orientation. Expect the full in-processing cycle to take approximately one to two weeks.
The Military & Family Readiness Center (Building 1113) is the hub for relocation assistance, offering Smooth Move workshops, Plan My Move classes, and lending lockers with household essentials for families awaiting their household goods shipment. The M&FRC also provides employment assistance for spouses, financial readiness counseling, and referrals to on- and off-base services. Luke AFB's official newcomer guide is available through the 56th Force Support Squadron website (56fss.com). For after-hours emergencies during transit, contact the Command Post.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Luke AFB.
On-post housing at Luke Air Force Base is managed by Hunt Companies, which operates family communities on the installation in the West Valley of the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, with 2- to 4-bedroom homes featuring modern interiors and access to community pools, playgrounds, and fitness centers. Hunt provides 24/7 maintenance support and an online resident po…
Local Market
$2,000/mo
rent
/
$440,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Luke AFB
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Luke AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer (SLO)
2
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
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4
High Schools
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5
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Luke AFB is the world's largest F-35 training base, located in the West Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area near Glendale and Peoria. The Phoenix metro is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the US, with excellent year-round outdoor recreation, a booming economy, and a cost of living below comparable California metros. Arizona does not tax military retirement pay.
Surprise
Suburban
Surprise is the most popular destination for Luke AFB families and has been one of Arizona's fastest-growing cities for over a decade. It offers newer master-planned communities, excellent schools in multiple highly-rated districts, abundant amenities, and housing prices that remain affordable by metro Phoenix standards. The White Tank Mountains to the west provide a stunning backdrop and excellent outdoor recreation.
Commute: 10–20 min
Gate: Main Gate (Litchfield Road)
Schools: Dysart USD / Litchfield ESD
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
White Tank Mountain Regional Park is one of Maricopa County's best for hiking, mountain biking, and petroglyphs. Surprise Sports Complex hosts spring training baseball. Growing dining and nightlife scene. Phoenix metro is 40 min for anything Surprise doesn't have.
Goodyear / Litchfield Park
Suburban
Goodyear and Litchfield Park sit southeast of Luke in the West Valley and offer the area's most upscale residential options. Litchfield Park is a historic planned community with beautiful mid-century landscaping and highly rated schools. Goodyear has grown enormously with new construction and strong commercial development. Together they make up the most desirable corridor for officers and senior NCOs.
Commute: 15–20 min
Gate: Main Gate (Litchfield Road)
Schools: Litchfield ESD / Agua Fria UHSD
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
The Wigwam Resort and Golf Club is in Litchfield Park. Estrella Mountain Regional Park for outdoor recreation. Goodyear Ballpark for spring training. PGA Tour events nearby at Waste Management Phoenix Open. One of the most polished West Valley communities.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Luke AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Arizona has a flat 2.5% income tax rate (2025) — one of the lowest in the country. All active duty military pay may be f…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses who move to Arizona solely to accompany a service member may elect to keep their prior-stat…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident service members stationed in Arizona under orders are exempt from vehicle registration and license taxes — h…
Property Tax
100% permanently disabled veterans qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Veterans with l…
Resources
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Pet Policies at Luke AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Luke AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Luke AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(623) 856-6354Hours
Mon–Fri (call to confirm current schedule)
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
12
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Luke AFB.
Commissary
1
Luke AFB Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
1
56th Medical Group — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Luke AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
South Gate is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Luke AFB Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 9am–6pm.
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03
Is there a BX on base?
Yes, Luke AFB has a BX (Base Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
56th Medical Group is the primary military treatment clinic serving Luke AFB. Call (623) 856-2273 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Luke AFB has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Luke AFB has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Litchfield Elementary School District (rated B) serves most military families at Luke AFB. Visit https://www.lesd79.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Luke AFB restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Luke AFB has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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10
How is military pay taxed in Arizona?
Fully exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of Arizona's tax rules for military members.
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11
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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12
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Luke AFB.
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13
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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14
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Luke AFB.
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Data & Methodology
The information on this page is compiled through a combination of sources. We reference official U.S. Department of Defense publications, branch directives, and installation command websites on a regular cadence to ensure accuracy across policy, regulation, and operational data. Where relevant, we supplement that foundation with credible auxiliary resources, including verified government agencies, military support organizations, and established partners with direct ties to the installation community.
Our editorial team includes past and present military personnel who review and contribute firsthand knowledge — ensuring what you read reflects the real experience of military life, not just what's written in a regulation.
MyBaseGuide is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or any government agency. Information is provided for general reference and updated periodically. It may not reflect the most recent changes to installation policy or command decisions. Always confirm time-sensitive details directly with your gaining installation.